I've installed a number of gates for the last 20 years and KidCo has always been the gate we used. This is our first retractable gate but it also works perfectly. This time installed to keep our dogs out of certain parts of the house. It's hardware mounted so it takes a little more time to install but once I got it in I was impressed with how well it works. We have it extended almost to it's maximum 55" length for our entry hallway. It is easy to open and close and the dogs haven't tried to defeat it so far. Some caution is needed when unlatching with one hand as sometimes it can slip out of your hand and snap all the way to the wall. I like the gate a lot!